Mara Woody

For nearly two decades, Dr. Mara Woody has been at the forefront of transforming higher education to better serve learners and the evolving workforce. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Riipen, she is shaping the future of experiential learning—building dynamic partnership programs that bridge education and industry, empowering learners with real-world opportunities that drive economic mobility.
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Mara’s work is rooted in impact. She has dedicated her career to reshaping the higher education landscape, ensuring that learning is not just theoretical but a catalyst for lifetime success. Her leadership at Riipen is breaking down barriers to employment, connecting students and institutions to the broader workforce development ecosystem.
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Before joining Riipen, Mara served as Assistant Commissioner for Postsecondary Policy at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. There, she spearheaded transformational initiatives that redefined how higher education serves the state, particularly for adult learners. She founded the Missouri Adult Learner Network, a pioneering coalition of higher education institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations committed to improving support for adult students. She also hosted Missouri’s first-ever Student Journey Mapping workshop, equipping institutions with tools to enhance the student experience through strategic innovation.
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Mara’s extensive background spans academic affairs, international credentialing, LEAN process improvement, and digital transformation in higher education administration. Her expertise in modernizing institutional processes and driving large-scale change has made her a sought-after thought leader in the field.
Dr. Woody holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University, where she focused her research on adult learners and access to education. With an unwavering commitment to educational innovation, Dr. Woody is redefining how learning translates into meaningful opportunities—and ensuring that education delivers on its promise of social and economic mobility for all.